Think of what your SAE could be if you had $1,000… Apply for an SAE grant by November 10!
Category Archives: Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)
SAE grants are now available
The Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is the cornerstone of any
agricultural education program. Through their SAEs students gain the hands-on experience they need to learn the business and leadership skills that are critical to their future success.
Sometimes, it’s difficult to get an SAE started without a little capital. Many students find that they need to purchase special equipment, livestock, seeds, training materials and other resources to get their SAE off the ground.
That’s where SAE grants come in. Any current FFA in grades 7- 11 can apply for a $1,000 grant in the career pathway of their choice.
So, don’t delay! The deadline for grant applications is November 15.
SAE grants are sponsored by CTB INC, CROPP Organic Valley/Organic Prairie, Horizon Organic, Keystone Steel and Wire – Red Brand, National Onion Association, Novartis Animal Health, Triscuit and Trouw Nutrition USA, LLC
SAE: Opportunity
There are no more inspiring agriculturalists in America than FFA members. Last week was the 83rd Kentucky FFA State Convention. While it was the tenth and final state convention for me this year, the FFA experience in Kentucky was far from over. For the next few days we were getting out of our FFA jackets, out of downtown Lexington, and visiting Supervised Agricultural Experiences firsthand.
SAE programs are a huge part of the overall agriculture education experience. We take our knowledge from inside the classroom outside to forests, agricultural fields, barns, laboratories, animal clinics, or any agricultural pursuit we desire. Then the work begins, that’s right, work.
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
- Thomas Edison
Over the course of our time in Kentucky, I met FFA members like Garrison Thompson who takes on opportunity, and enjoys the work. He has a large SAE program that employs three of his classmates, while also serving as the SAE chairman for his FFA chapter. Garrison has those qualities of leadership we should all possess. Watch this video from our time in Kentucky visiting SAE’s, and put some thought into how you might improve your own SAE, or help other chapter members start their program. SAE opportunities abound, and those who put in the work, reap huge rewards.
<p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/44198642″>SAE Opportunity</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/user11384007″>Seth Pratt</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>By Seth Pratt
Holsteins or Herefords?
The past two months have been a whirlwind for our team, traversing the country witnessing the diversity of FFA and agriculture in America. This past week was the first slow down. Alicia and I were able to spend some time at my home in Idaho. After moving cow/calf pairs in the Blackfoot Mountains we took a few minutes to shoot this 30-second video:
<p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/43505328″>Holsteins or Herefords?</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/user11384007″>Seth Pratt</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>Alicia is in South Carolina now for their state convention, I am in Arkansas, and our teammates are in South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Wherever you are, take a moment to learn about the agriculture in your area, and share your knowledge within your community. In FFA we play an important role in growing the agricultural literacy of Americans.
P.S. – Our team wants help with the 2012 convention theme video! Ken Quick is working on a blog post to share how you can provide images and footage for this year’s convention theme video. Check back in soon for the low-down from Kenny!
Former Michigan FFA member appears on Fox News
Past Michigan FFA Treasurer Kyle Miller appeared on Fox News’ Varney & Company to talk about how the Department of Labor’s proposed child labor regulations could have effected his family’s farm.
Kyle also explains how he gained a great amount of knowledge and experience from FFA and his SAE.
Great job representing FFA, Kyle!
Video: Kyle Miller on Fox Business – Varney and Friends
What you should know about the proposed Fair Labor Standards Act
UPDATE (April 27, 2012) : The U.S. Department of Labor has withdrawn the proposed regulations that would have affected our educational programs. Thanks to everyone who took the time to contact their legislators and shar
e this information with friends. You truly made a difference!
The DOL’ s statement:
The Obama administration is firmly committed to promoting family farmers and respecting the rural way of life, especially the role that parents and other family members play in passing those traditions down through the generations. The Obama administration is also deeply committed to listening and responding to what Americans across the country have to say about proposed rules and regulations.
As a result, the Department of Labor is announcing today the withdrawal of the proposed rule dealing with children under the age of 16 who work in agricultural vocations.
The decision to withdraw this rule – including provisions to define the ‘parental exemption’ – was made in response to thousands of comments expressing concerns about the effect of the proposed rules on small family-owned farms. To be clear, this regulation will not be pursued for the duration of the Obama administration.
Instead, the Departments of Labor and Agriculture will work with rural stakeholders – such as the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union, the Future Farmers of America, and 4-H – to develop an educational program to reduce accidents to young workers and promote safer agricultural working practices.
